Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. Hebrews 11:1-2 (NIV)
“Usually there are no defects in the life until there is first a decay in faith,” writes Thomas Manton. Isn’t it wonderful to be in the presence of those with a strong and confident faith? Like Peter when he chose to look at Jesus and was enabled to walk on water, those with strong faith often take our breath away – just ask the other disciples that were in the boat when you get to heaven. Yet, when Peter took his eyes off of the Master, his faith started to shake and he quickly began to sink.
Scripture teaches us to fix our eyes on Jesus. We find in Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV): “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” There is a lesson for us to learn from Scripture and through Peter’s actions as well. When we start sinking from all the winds and waves of life, it is best to check our gaze, right? We are not to focus on the problem rather on the problem solver.
Faith fixes its sight on the Master and receives power from Him through the indwelling Holy Spirit to walk as Jesus walked. This enables us to do mighty exploits for the Lord. We are never to seek our own honor, that is to come from the Lord’s Hand. It is He who both exalts and abases. He holds everything in His righteous right Hand. Our jobs are to deny self, take up our crosses and follow in the footsteps of Jesus wherever He places us. We are to be His hands and His feet and His mouth as He gently guides us forward through what He has called us to do. This is the highest occupation for mankind. As we make much of Him through faith, He makes much of us – if we do not usurp the glory rather give all accolades to the Lord Jesus Who empowers us to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel. Remember, the One Who gives the power gets the glory. Being filled with His power we are equipped to do “pala” things – things too hard for mere flesh to do. Therefore, it is He that receives all the credit.
May we live in such a way that points others to the Savior. At the end of our lives our bodies will fail but the faith filled heart for Jesus will live forever.
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)